Feast your eyes on the glorious Appalachian stack cake, a majestic culinary creation hailing from the heart of Appalachia. This towering four-layer masterpiece is a symphony of flavors and textures, a true testament to the region's rich culinary heritage. Each layer is a delectable journey, from the golden, fluffy cake base to the creamy, dreamy filling and the luscious, fruity topping. With its impressive height and stunning presentation, the Appalachian stack cake is a showstopper that will grace any table, whether for a special occasion or a cozy family gathering.
The journey begins with the cake layers, a symphony of simple yet perfect ingredients. Flour, sugar, butter, and eggs come together to form a batter that's light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Baked to perfection, the layers are golden brown and springy, providing the perfect foundation for the layers of creamy goodness to come.
The filling is a delightful dance of flavors and textures. Vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and crushed pineapple join forces to create a luscious, creamy concoction that's both light and refreshing. The sweet, tangy pineapple adds a burst of tropical brightness, while the whipped cream lends a velvety richness. Each bite is a delightful harmony of flavors and textures, a true delight for the senses.
The topping is a crowning glory, a vibrant tapestry of colors and flavors. Fresh strawberries, blueberries, and bananas are artfully arranged atop the cake, their vibrant hues creating a feast for the eyes. The sweetness of the berries and the creaminess of the bananas complement the cake and filling perfectly, creating a symphony of flavors that's both classic and refreshing.
The Appalachian stack cake is a labor of love, a testament to the patience and skill of the baker. But every moment spent crafting this culinary masterpiece is worth it when you see the smiles on the faces of your loved ones as they savor each heavenly bite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with memories to cherish.
FOUR-LAYER APPALACHIAN STACK CAKE
In Kentucky and its environs, this dessert once served as a wedding cake; neighbors and friends might have each brought a layer, and the hosts would add the filling. We plumped up dried apples in cider and tucked them between layers of clove- and gin
Categories stack cake appalachian stack cake cake recipes dessert recipes
Yield 8-10
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring apples and cider to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to soften and liquid has reduced, 40 to 50 minutes. Add 1 cup water; cook, mashing apples slightly, until liquid has reduced, about 10 minutes. Add 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water; simmer until apples are very soft and coated in syrup, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper, and butter parchment. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Set aside.
- Put butter and the remaining cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low; mix in egg, molasses, buttermilk, baking soda, flour, spices, and salt.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean and tops spring back when lightly touched, about 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges of pans to loosen; invert to unmold. Remove parchment; reinvert onto racks. Let cool.
- Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 bottom layer on a serving platter. Top with 1/3 of the apple mixture, spreading to edges. Stack 1 top layer on top of apples, and top with another 1/3 of the apple mixture. Repeat with remaining cake bottom and apples, and top with remaining cake top. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour before serving. Sift confectioners' sugar over top of cake.
FOUR-LAYER APPALACHIAN STACK CAKE
In Kentucky and its environs, this dessert once served as a wedding cake; neighbors and friends might have each brought a layer, and the hosts would add the filling. We plumped up dried apples in cider and tucked them between layers of clove- and ginger-spiced molasses cake.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cake Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Bring apples and cider to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until apples begin to soften and liquid has reduced, 40 to 50 minutes. Add 1 cup water; cook, mashing apples slightly, until liquid has reduced, about 10 minutes. Add 2/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup water; simmer until apples are very soft and coated in syrup, about 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper, and butter parchment. Dust with flour; tap out excess. Set aside.
- Put butter and the remaining cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low; mix in egg, molasses, buttermilk, baking soda, flour, spices, and salt.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake until a cake tester inserted into centers comes out clean and tops spring back when lightly touched, about 35 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges of pans to loosen; invert to unmold. Remove parchment; reinvert onto racks. Let cool.
- Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 bottom layer on a serving platter. Top with 1/3 of the apple mixture, spreading to edges. Stack 1 top layer on top of apples, and top with another 1/3 of the apple mixture. Repeat with remaining cake bottom and apples, and top with remaining cake top. Let stand at room temperature at least 1 hour before serving. Sift confectioners' sugar over top of cake.
OLD-FASHIONED STACK CAKE WITH APPALACHIAN APPLE BUTTER FILLING
I found this old-fashion stack cake recipe in my local newspaper. I immediately thought of our stack cake queen, Bea Liles. I haven't made this yet but I hope someone will and give it a review. Altho this recipe calls for dried apples, I see no reason why you couldn't use fresh, and your own recipe for apple butter. Enjoy! This...
Provided by Dee Stillwell
Categories Cakes
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 6 (9-inch) cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottoms of pans with parchment paper, and spray parchment paper with cooking spray.
- 2. In a medium bowl, beat shortening and sugar at medium speed with a mixer until creamy. Add buttermilk, molasses, egg and vanilla, beating well. In a large bowl, combine flour, ginger, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Add shortening mixture, stirring just until combined.
- 3. On a lightly floured surface, form dough into a log; cut into six equal portions. Place one portion in each prepared pan, and use fingers to lightly pat dough to edges of pans. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Cake will have the consistency of a gingerbread cookie.
- 4. Cook time: Depends on how big you want your stack. This recipe makes one 9-inch cake with six stacks. Three stacks were baked simultaneously for 10 to 12 minutes The filling (recipe below) takes about an hour. Allow 24 hours for the cake to chill in the refrigerator.
- 5. Make filling: In large saucepan, combine dried fruit and all dry ingredients. Add enough liquid to cover. Bring to a low boil and cook, stirring often, for 45 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand for 10 minutes or until cooled slightly. Transfer to the work bowl of a food processor or container of a blender; process until smooth. Use while still warm.
- 6. To put cake together, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand; spread with about 3/4 cup warm fruit butter filling. Repeat procedure with remaining layers and fruit butter filling, stacking each on previous layer. Do not spread fruit butter filling on top layer. Cover and refrigerate cake for at least 24 hours. Just before serving, dust with confectioners' sugar.
OLD-FASHIONED STACK CAKES
My grandmother has always fixed these at Christmas and they are the first thing everyone asks about. "Where is the stack cake?" The super thin layers are what make this recipe stand out...delicious! -Stephanie Gilbert, Whitesburg, Kentucky
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 40m
Yield 3 stack cakes (6 slices each).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, ginger, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with molasses and buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Drop 2 scant 1/4 cupfuls of batter, at least 7 in. apart, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. With well-floured fingers, pat each into a 5- to 6-in. circle. Bake 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter., To assemble, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 2 tablespoons apple butter. Repeat layers 4 times; top with a sixth layer. Repeat to make 2 more stack cakes. Refrigerate, covered, until serving. If desired, serve with additional apple butter.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 280 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 35mg cholesterol, Sodium 343mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (29g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.
TENNESSEE MOUNTAIN STACK CAKE
Provided by Warren Brown
Categories Cake Fruit Dessert Bake Vegetarian Wedding Dried Fruit Apple Chill Party Advance Prep Required Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield One stacked cake to serve a crowd
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the rack in the middle position.
- 2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- 3. Combine the butter and sugar in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium speed until wet and grainy.
- 4. Add the molasses. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula to get all of the molasses into the mixture.
- 5. Add the eggs one at a time. Scrape all the way to the bottom of the bowl and mix on low speed.
- 6. Alternately add the buttermilk and the dry mixture about a quarter at a time. Stop the mixer to scrape the bowl and turn it on again on low speed for about 10 seconds. The mixture should be stiff like a soft cookie dough.
- 7. Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- 8. Divide the dough into 6 or 8 equal portions and place each one on a round piece of parchment paper a little larger than a 9-inch cake pan. Roll out the dough to the size of the parchment. Place the cake pan over the disk and trim away the excess around the edge.
- 9. Leaving the parchment paper underneath, lift the disks onto baking sheets and bake them for approximately 10 minutes, or until the top surface appears dry and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 10. Slide the disks off the baking sheet onto a flat surface to cool.
- 11. To make the filling, combine all the ingredients in a large, heavy-bottom saucepan and bring to a light simmer. Immediately transfer to the work bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse into a thick paste.
- 12. To assemble the cake, spread about 1 cup of the filling onto each layer, taking care to center each disk on top of the one beneath it. Repeat until all the layers are used. Do not put apple filling on top of the cake.
- 13. Wrap the cake well and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This gives the apple filling time to work itself into the cake. Dust with confectioners' sugar and serve chilled.
APPALACHIAN STACK CAKE WITH APPLE-BOURBON SAUCE
My version of a completely traditional Appalachian stack cake was inspired by the way my ancestors would have made it many moons ago. All the ingredients are there: dried apples, a stiff dough, molasses and apple butter. My only flair is adding a bourbon sauce to drip over the edges and right into your heart. -Lauren May, Must Love Herbs
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 5 greased 6-in. round baking pans with parchment. In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar and molasses until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition (mixture may appear curdled). In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and ginger; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., For the sauce, in a large heavy saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, water and bourbon. Cook, covered, over medium-low heat until apples are soft and pliable, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add butter. Cook and stir, uncovered, until sauce is thin and syrupy, 5-10 minutes longer. Remove from heat; cool completely., Using a long serrated knife, trim tops of cakes if domed. Spread 1 tablespoon apple butter on a rimmed serving plate; top with 1 cake layer. Spread with about 1/3 cup apple butter. Top with 2/3 cup apple and bourbon sauce. Repeat layers. Drizzle any remaining sauce from apple mixture over top of cake. Refrigerate, covered, at least 24 hours before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1195 calories, Fat 30g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 121mg cholesterol, Sodium 705mg sodium, Carbohydrate 223g carbohydrate (154g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 12g protein.
APPLE JACK STACK CAKE
Appalachian apple stack cake is communal cooking at its finest. Originally, each layer was baked at home by individual cooks, likely in cast-iron skillets, then brought together and assembled for church suppers and gatherings. Instead of the spongy cakes we're used to today, these layers are more like cookies-firmer, so they slowly soften beneath liberal applications of apple butter and cooked apples. This recipe stays mostly true to those principles. Instead of individually baking the layers one skillet at a time, though, use a cake pan to trace a pattern on parchment paper and trim circles of rolled dough to fit it. Bake two layers simultaneously (more if you have a convection oven). The edges of the cake layers won't be as perfectly neat as if you'd baked them in skillets or cake pans, but that's all right. This is a rustic cake.
Categories Cake Dessert Bake Kid-Friendly Apple Fall HarperCollins Kidney Friendly Vegetarian Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free Kosher Small Plates
Yield Makes 1 cake
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- For the filling:
- Put the apples, brown sugar, cider, and applejack in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the apples and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Set aside.
- For the cake:
- Position the racks in the upper-middle and lower-middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla.
- In large bowl, with an electric mixer at medium-high speed, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed to medium-low and add the molasses, beating until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time and mix until incorporated. Gradually add the buttermilk (the mixture will look curdled); add the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms-it should look like cookie dough. Remove the dough from the bowl, pat into a round, cover in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, about 8 1/2 ounces each. On parchment paper, roll portions of dough into circles about 1/4 inch thick. Use an 8-inch cake pan as a guide to trim into uniform 8-inch circles. Bake one circle on each prepared sheet until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes, rotating and switching the baking sheets halfway through baking. Transfer the circles to cooling racks and let cool completely. The cakes will harden and set as they cool. Repeat with remaining dough. Reroll scraps to form a seventh layer.
- Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread with 1/4 cup of the apple butter. Arrange one-sixth of the cooled cooked apples on top of apple butter and top with another layer of cake. Repeat with the remaining filling and cake layers, ending with a cake layer on top. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until the layers soften, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.
- For the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, reserved apple cider mixture, and the molasses. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat and cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter until smooth. Let cool for 5 minutes, then pour the glaze over the top of the cake. Slice and serve, or store the cake, covered, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
APPLE STACK CAKE
My mom loved to bake this sky-high apple stack cake. Layer the apple goodness two days before serving. Later, a dusting of confectioners' sugar is the only topping you'll need. -LeVa Clement, Jackson, Missouri
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h10m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place apples and water in a 6-qt. stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 40-45 minutes or until apples are softened, stirring occasionally. Mash into a chunky sauce. Stir in brown sugar and pie spice; simmer, uncovered, 10-15 minutes longer or until liquid is absorbed and sauce is thickened. Cool completely., Preheat oven to 400°. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Divide dough into 8 portions; shape each into a disk. Cut out eight 9-in. circles of parchment. With a floured rolling pin, roll out a dough disk to fit each parchment circle. Transfer to baking sheets. Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Place1 layer on a serving plate; spread with 2/3 cup filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer, wrap tightly in plastic wrap; refrigerate 1-2 days or until layers soften. If desired, sprinkle cake with confectioner's sugar.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 506 calories, Fat 13g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 54mg cholesterol, Sodium 313mg sodium, Carbohydrate 94g carbohydrate (55g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
Tips:
- Prepare Ingredients Accurately: Precisely measure and gather all ingredients beforehand. Room temperature ingredients ensure better blending and texture.
- Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients: Prioritize fresh ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. High-quality butter, eggs, and buttermilk make a significant difference.
- Cream Butter and Sugar Thoroughly: Creaming butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is crucial. This step incorporates air, resulting in a tender, delicate cake.
- Gradually Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully incorporate before adding the next. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
- Alternately Add Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add dry and wet ingredients to the batter alternately, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Gently fold in each addition to avoid overmixing.
- Spread Batter Evenly: Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, gently smoothing the tops. This promotes uniform baking and even layers.
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cakes during baking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Cakes Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a stable, even frosting layer.
- Stack and Frost Cakes: Once the cakes have cooled, stack them with your desired frosting in between and on top. Smooth the frosting evenly to create a polished look.
- Decorate as Desired: Add your preferred decorations, such as sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fresh berries, to enhance the visual appeal of your Appalachian Stack Cake.
Conclusion:
The Appalachian Stack Cake is a delectable multi-layered dessert that combines Southern charm with classic cake-making techniques. With its moist, tender crumb, rich frosting, and customizable decorations, this cake is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion. By following the tips and steps provided in this recipe, you can create an impressive and flavorful stack cake that showcases the culinary heritage of the Appalachian region. Indulge in a slice of this sweet tradition, and experience the delightful flavors and textures that make the Appalachian Stack Cake a beloved dessert.
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